In a significant move signaling Pakistan’s commitment to advancing its digital economy, the Prime Minister has appointed Bilal Bin Saqib as the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Blockchain and Crypto, granting him the status of Minister of State. This appointment places Pakistan in an elite league of countries including the United States, El Salvador, and the UAE that have dedicated leadership focused exclusively on cryptocurrency and blockchain technologies.
Bilal Bin Saqib is already a prominent figure in Pakistan’s crypto ecosystem, serving as the Chief Executive Officer of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) as well as Chief Advisor to the Finance Minister. Through his role at the PCC, he has led strategic initiatives and fostered vital partnerships that bridge Pakistan with global players in blockchain and decentralized finance. Notably, under his leadership, the Pakistan Crypto Council signed a landmark agreement with World Liberty Financial (WLF), a decentralized finance platform with backing from former U.S. President Donald Trump. This partnership aims to accelerate blockchain innovation and stablecoin adoption within the country.
Furthermore, Bilal has cultivated connections with major industry leaders, including inviting Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, to serve as a Strategic Advisor to the PCC. CZ’s involvement is expected to play a crucial role in shaping Pakistan’s regulatory framework, expanding blockchain infrastructure, and developing education programs for the local crypto community.
Bilal Bin Saqib’s academic background includes a Master’s degree in Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship from the London School of Economics (LSE). His work in social impact earned him a place in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30 list, and he has also been honored with the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) award by King Charles III.
In his new role as SAPM, Bilal Bin Saqib will spearhead multiple key initiatives designed to strengthen Pakistan’s position in the digital asset space. His responsibilities include developing a FATF-compliant regulatory framework for digital assets, launching Bitcoin mining projects, integrating blockchain technology across governance, finance, and land record management systems, and overseeing the licensing and regulation of virtual asset service providers (VASPs). In addition, he will champion investor protection and promote the growth of the Web3 ecosystem in Pakistan.
This strategic appointment highlights Pakistan’s proactive approach to adopting global trends in emerging technologies. Similar to the United States appointing leaders like David Sacks, who served as the White House AI and Crypto Czar under Donald Trump, Pakistan is choosing to empower a young visionary to guide its national strategy in blockchain and crypto innovation. This reflects a clear message that the country is embracing the future and is committed to youth-led leadership in technology.
Pakistan currently stands at a critical digital crossroads. The country ranks within the top 10 globally for crypto adoption according to the 2023 Chainalysis Global Crypto Adoption Index. It boasts approximately 40 million crypto users with an annual trading volume exceeding $300 billion. Moreover, Pakistan produces around 40,000 IT graduates each year and holds the position of the fourth largest freelancing market worldwide.
With a youthful population where over 60% of citizens are under 30, Pakistan’s rapid adoption of digital technologies positions it as one of the biggest potential beneficiaries of blockchain and cryptocurrency developments over the next decade. The formulation of strategic policies in these areas is not just a timely opportunity but a national imperative.
Bilal Bin Saqib summed up the country’s outlook by stating, “Pakistan’s unique demographic and digital landscape offers an unprecedented opportunity to leapfrog into the future of technology, where blockchain and crypto will drive economic growth, innovation, and global competitiveness.” His appointment signals a new era for Pakistan’s technology sector and sets the stage for accelerated digital transformation in the years ahead.
